According to ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach, “The eye is a unique window into health. It’s the only place in the body where, without surgery, we can look in and see veins, arteries, and a nerve (the optic nerve).” The eyes say so much about the health of the body overall and can lead to the early diagnosis of some serious health concerns.
Here are 5 health warning signs that your eyes are showing you… don’t ignore what they are saying.
Bumpy yellow patches on eyelids
Dry eyes with sensitivity to light
If your eyes and mouth are dry, you may have a condition known as Sjogren’s (pronounced “show-grins). This immune system disorder generally impacts women over 40 who have autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. With this condition, the eyes and the mouth are typically affected together. Other symptoms of this condition include vaginal dryness, dry skin, and dry sinuses. Persons suffering from Sjogren’s may also find it difficult to swallow or chew. See your physician if you suspect that you have Sjogren’s.
Double vision, dim vision or loss of vision
If your eyes become dim and you experience double vision or loss of vision, it may be an indication of a stroke. Pay careful attention to this, especially if your arms, legs or face become numb on one side of your body. Other indicators of a stroke include loss of balance, headache or slurred speech. These symptoms can happen over a period of time or all at once. If this happens, call 911 immediately.
Gunk in the eye
If your eyes feel irritated, it may be from Blepharitis, a type of inflammation of the eyelids. This condition causes eyes to feel irritated or as if something is in them. Crusty debris can gather on the lashes or in the inner corners of the eyes or lids.
To help ease burning and discomfort, apply a warm, damp cloth to your eyes for about five minutes at a time. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment or artificial tears to help with the condition.
Thinning or disappearing eyebrows
Although it is natural for eyebrows to thin as we age, when hair loss is mostly on the ends of your brows and is accompanied by hair loss on other parts of your body, it may be an indication of a thyroid disorder. It could be either hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Premature graying of the eyebrows could also be a sign of thyroid troubles. If you also have issues with weight, mood, energy levels or other skin conditions, a thyroid disorder may be further suspected. Visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Critical
It is crucial that everyone, no matter how healthy you may feel, should have a regular eye exam. During this exam, your ophthalmologist may detect severe health conditions that would otherwise go unnoticed.
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